Are you experiencing domestic abuse?

Sometimes it's difficult to know.

Does your partner threaten you and your children?
Are you and your children often frightened by your partner?
Are you constantly degraded and picked on?
Are you not allowed to have contact with friends and family?
Does your partner constantly check where you have been, how much you spend, who you speak to?

Domestic violence covers a range of behaviours including physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse, within all types of relationships. Abuse can be carried out by men against women, women against men, within same sex relationships and by family members. It can affect anyone no matter what their social group, age, ability, ethnic origin or sexuality. It can be from a present or ex-partner.

Domestic violence can have devastating effects on the well-being and development of children who witness it.

What can I do?

If you are being abused it is useful to talk to someone about what has happened, even if you do not want to do anything about it. Often it is helpful to speak to someone and get some support for yourself. Getting someone to record the incidents will help you in the future if you do decide to take action.

Who should I tell?

Remember that telling someone doesn't mean you have to do anything.There are places to go where you can just talk in confidence. It is important to protect yourself by ‘documenting' your experience of abuse. Most agency workers will document what has happened if you request it.

What if I just want to leave?

The council's housing directorate acknowledges domestic violence as a reason for priority need. You can either go into a refuge, get re-housed through the council or move to private rented accommodation. You can contact the Homeless Persons Unit or the Housing Advice Service on 0161 793 2020.